Lot 4663

Description

Augustus, (27 B.C. - A.D. 14), AE dupondius or as, Nemausus mint, issued after 29-8 B.C., (12.05 g), obv. head of Agrippa to left wearing rostral crown and bare head of Augustus to right, above IMP below DIVI F, dotted border, rev. COL NEM on either side of palm-shoot, chained crocodile to right below, wreath above, (S.1728, RPC 522, RIC 154, C.7). Light surface abrasion marks, otherwise good fine and rare.

Described by Sear as a dupondius. In 27 B.C. the emperor conferred on this colony of southern Gaul the title of Colonia Augusta Nemausus and the initial issue with the heads of Augustus and Agrippa. It is dated by RPC to this time. The omission of the title Augustus on the obverse legend suggests a slightly earlier date. The issue went through several revivals over the next four decades with minor changes. The reverse type commemorates the conquest of Egypt in 30 B.C.